Welcome to the Web Site of the
Delaware Saengerbund and Library Association

The purpose of the DSB's Web Site is to provide members and friends with current information about the DSB and our activities in a way that encourages
participation and simplifies communications so that we further the German American heritage and traditional German culture.

A Synopsis of the DSB's Background

The Delaware Saengerbund, a German-American singing society founded in March 1853, became an important social club for newly arriving German immigrants.
Although choral music is still important to the DSB, our activities now encourage the study and use of the German language, culture, traditions and customs.
We share the traditional sociability among the German community at large and seek to foster a better understanding of the contributions made by German immigrants to the American way of life.

Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest

The Delaware Saengerbund has become the focal point of the German community in Delaware through its annual event Oktoberfest. Although the first Volksfest was
held in Wilmington's Schuetzen Park 1883, the modern Munich-style Oktoberfest first began in 1979. The roots of this fall festival are in Bavaria, when it was first celebrated as a wedding festivity
for the crown prince of Bavaria on October 12, 1810. Because of weather considerations, the Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest is always held on the third week of September (the same weekend as Munich).
Nearly 20,000 people attend the three-day festival which features Bavarian bands and folk dancing. Dancers in colorful costumes perform the Schuhplattler, or "shoe slapping" dance, along with
other German folk dances, such as the Ländler. Also featured during the event are German foods, including the famous German potato salad of the Ladies of the Delaware Saengerbund.